The rain was pouring down in South Walton last Sunday afternoon and roads were closed, but that didn't stop loyal fans from getting out in it to converge on The Red Bar to help Duke Bardwell celebrate his 70th birthday. The Duke sat in with his "godsons" -- the members of Dread Clampitt -- that day and performed several of his numbers. I had not seen him perform with them in quite a while and he seemed to really enjoy himself. Dwight Ward, Jennifer and Andy McAlexander, Dan Mueller, Franko Jackson, Mark Thompson, David and Sally Smith were some who were there. It was standing room only around the band's living room.

Several local ladies turned out Monday night at Alys Beach in support of Jane Comer and her GirlSpring Foundation chapter organizing. Anne Hunter, Sheila Goode, Claire Bannerman, Tammy Massey, Gina Shiflett, and Allison Schultz were there.

Kent and Peggy Lillie entertained friends from Nashville last weekend, Marc and Linda Carter, who have a home in Burnt Pine. The foursome went to Seagar's. The bar was packed, the piano was playing and one of the best bartenders in town is now working there, Johnny Chicago from Ruth's Chris, said Peggy. Tracey and Billy Clay, Liz and Ralph McMaster were there also.

Superstar Food Network Chef Emeril Lagasse dropped in at Barefoot BBQ in Seaside. He was also spotted at 723 Whiskey Bravo. Emeril has been making the 30A rounds. Word is his crew was also seen at Chan's Wine World in Grand Boulevard.

Robin Wiesneth was checking out the folk art show at the North Atlanta Trade Center last weekend when she ran into our Artist of the Year Andy Saczynski.

Boukou Groove announces they are opening for the Isley Brothers at Bayfest on Oct. 6.

Sandy Weiner celebrated Charity Miles' first birthday by running 5.293 Charity Miles for Feeding America. Every mile feeds two people.

Kassie and Ray Zukowski are readying for a move to Utah to be closer to family.

Welcome back to Lyn Shumake who has been away since January.

Michelle and Tom Fillingim have returned from a visit to Park City and Sundance, Utah. They returned the same day lightening struck there and started the forest fire.

Marie Soloman is back from Vegas.

Ellen Miller spent a long weekend connecting with friends in Orange Beach.

Victoria Hunt visited Lake Erie.

Lynn Wesson went to Virginia.

Jane Burns enjoyed visiting friends in California.

Lori Drew went to Canada, as did Gillian Lee. Karen White and Betsy Evett visited her there.

Hilary Butler is enjoying the view at Beech Mountain.

Michele Ray is going to Vegas for five months and JoAnn Graham is going to London for four. How do I get in on this?

Chan and Laura Cox are back from celebrating their anniversary in Atlanta.

Deborah Wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at 654-8443 or email dwheeler@waltonsun.com. Her Party Line column appears weekly in The Sun. Contributions are accepted.